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Darcys Restaurant, Brighton, East Sussex

Darcys Restaurant

4.3
4.3
48 Reviews
£26 to £40
Fish
Found in the heart of the Brighton Lanes and run by the charismatic Brighton restaurateur, Coco Cowan, D’Arcys is one of Brighton’s premiere seafood restaurants – though we always have a little steak for those who prefer it and will happily create something vegetarian
‘off-menu’ if requested.

Originally a fisherman’s cottage, D’Arcys has been a specialist seafood restaurant for more than 50 years. We’ve retained a traditional decorative style which helps create an intimate and comfortable atmosphere whether you’re having a simple one-course lunch or a three-course dinner. When the weather is good we also have tables outside for eating alfresco.

We pride ourselves on using the best local fresh fish where possible. Besides our regular favourites such as Fish Pie our menu changes daily depending on the best of the catch from our suppliers. We also source the best, freshest locally grown produce and ingredients to use with and in our cooking.

Make a booking

2 people

19:00


Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    £26 to £40
  • Cuisines
    Fish, Italian, Steak
  • Hours of Operation
    Breakfast Sat, Sun 10:00–12:00 Lunch Mon, Wed–Sun 11:30–17:00 Dinner Mon, Wed–Sun 17:00–21:30
  • Phone number
    01273 325560
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Smart Casual
  • Catering
    Fresh fish and seafood including classics such as Dover sole, lobster,scallops .favourites like fish pie or breadcrumbed fish and chips .pasta dishes and steaks also available . Home made desserts Creme brulee and bread and butter pud .Ala carte and Set menus available . Set in a 14 th century cottage in the lanes, it is a truly unique setting for a relaxing dinner . Welcome to D arcys.
  • Private party facilities
    Separate dining areas on 1st floor, for functions or parties. Offering a reduced a la carte menu only from fourth july re opening
  • Area
    Brighton
  • Cross Street
    East st north st lanes
  • Parking Details
    Street Parking
  • Public Transit
    We are 15 mins walk from Brighton mainline train station and 5 mins from the Brighton Pier and seafront.
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 48 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3
4.3 based on all time ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.1Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseQuiet

48 Reviews
  1. HilaryC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 30 September 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, excellent service. We were able to sit outside due to nice weather and it was like being abroad. Only downside was the toilet was 2 flights up and stairs quite steep.

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  2. Goodeating

    London

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 25 August 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The seafood was utterly delicious. Seafood pasta with plenty of seafood included, so tasty. My friends had the sardines tasting so fresh. You could tell the chef really knew how to cook and present his good. Generous portions too.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 3 August 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious as always! Lobster pasta is an absolute must! x

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    Edinburgh

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 12 July 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Very definitely NOT closed down as a previous reviewer had suggested. Everything was exactly as expected and "right on the button".

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  5. JeffE

    New Orleans

    12 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on 23 May 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    The restaurant is closed down - take it off Open Table.

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  6. MichaelM

    Brighton

    9 reviews

    1.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 16 December 2022

    overall1food2service3ambience1
    Very expensive for what we had and the food wasn’t bad but at these prices should have been a lot better. The restaurant itself could do with modernisation.

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  7. ChristineJ

    Brighton

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 29 July 2022

    overall3food5service3ambience3
    The food was excellent and the gentleman waiting on us was friendly and worked hard. We sat outside but there were no lights or plants to add to ambience. The restaurant itself appeared very ‘tired’.

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  8. AndrewB

    London

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on 12 June 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Food was delicious, staff were very helpful and friendly

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  9. DebraB

    Surrey

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 June 2022

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    Very fresh fish cooked very well. However, it was not anything special Mum had Moules but no fingerbowl and the bathroom is up to two flights of stairs, so it is not possible to visit if you are elderly. The salad side was a bit disappointing. I am not sure we would go back.

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  10. GaryM

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 1 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good restaurant right in the heart of Brighton. The food was exceptional with a good choice of fish or various meats. The staff were very friendly and attentive and willing to offer advice on several dishes and specials. The food was excellent and tasted lovely. Highly recommended

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 13 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I was visiting Brighton for 3 days with my partner, being by the seaside I decided seafood was a must and googled the most popular places, I ended up at Riddle and Finns on the seafront on my first night and if I’m honest it was a disaster. On night 2, having not filled my seafood craving, I had a look around at other places… which is how we ended up at Darcy’s! From the minute we walked in the door, we felt welcomed. The team were very friendly and made us feel at home. The food was incredible, I would have eaten here all week if I had been staying longer. My partner had the prawn cocktail and I had the garlic prawns to start, which were both well presented and tasty, for Main course, my partner decided on the Ribeye Steak, which was cooked to perfection and I went with the mussels, which I must say were probably the best I have had. I just want to say a huge thank you to the team and keep doing what you are doing.

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  12. BarnoR

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 6 November 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice, cozy place and delicious food . Great atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

  13. Se58

    London

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on 28 August 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great meals and good outdoor seating area. Would eat here again.

    Is this helpful?

  14. Louise

    London

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 14 August 2020

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Lovely sea bream and great to sit outside. Recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  15. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 4 August 2020

    overall2food3service2ambience1
    My fish arrived lukewarm, a disappointment. I did tell the waitress that it was an anniversary meal upon arrival When challenged about the lukewarm fish the response was that as I asked for it off the bone it was bound to be cooler. A poor excuse It was an expensive meal at almost £80 despite the government “discount” of £20 having already been deducted. I won’t go there again

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  16. Davidsmith123

    London

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on 11 July 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous fish restaurant

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  17. Marilyn1

    London

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 25 February 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was our first time and we had a lovely experience. Our fish was well cooked and well presented. Our waiter was very friendly and helpful. Would definitely go again.

    Is this helpful?

  18. OpenTable Diner

    London

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 21 February 2020

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Very good!

    Is this helpful?

  19. TRIS

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 31 December 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Charming, characterful traditional restaurant. If you want slick efficiency and conveyor belt food then maybe avoid, but if you like your restaurant to have soul then highly recommended.

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  20. WilliamG

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 14 September 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience. Good service and food!

    Is this helpful?

  21. LukeK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 7 September 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a quant and beautiful off the best place where the service is friendly and welcoming, the food is beautiful and well presented, full of flavour and very filling. They have a great wine selection and the price is very fair. I recommend anyone to visit this little venue

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  22. SofiaS

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 26 July 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Quaint restaurant in a acquaintance of the Lanes.... excellent service.

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  23. SheilaM

    Brighton

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 10 June 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Had lunch with a group of friends. We had the set menus. Good value and very tasty. Our server was most welcoming and friendly

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  24. Happydiner

    London

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on 9 June 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely fresh seafood in a great location. We sat on an outside table and had a great meal.

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    London

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 4 May 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A hidden gem. Great food. Cute and quirky ambiance

    Is this helpful?

  26. RobM

    London

    16 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on 4 May 2019

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    If you want an old-school dining experience, it’s hard to beat this lovely gem, tucked away in The Lanes. If you want flashy decor, glitzy menus with bewildering combinations of ingredients, Darcy’s is not that. But, if you want to enjoy fresh, local seafood, treated with care, then this is for you.

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  27. Alex

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 4 May 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    For many years now every time we come to Brighton we dine at Darcy's. Everything is nice about this restaurant plus a feel of an old house. Their dover sole is one of the best in town.

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  28. Dogboy

    Brighton

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 27 April 2019

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    An unpretentious classic establishment with classic meals and a sense of history. Really enjoyed our food and the visit.

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  29. WestLondonMama

    London

    24 reviews

    4.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on 27 April 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    What a cute spot in The Lanes in Brighton. The place only has a few tables, so it has a really lovely and cozy feel, exclusive almost. The service was second to none, we felt really special throughout our stay. We had at the menu of the day which came in at very good value for a three course meal at around £17.00. I enjoyed my starter and main very much (white bait followed by fish in a creamy sauce, seabass if I remember correctly) but I do not eat dessert so didn't get to try the Tiramisou or Bread Puding on offer. The fish was lovely, and almost worthy of five stars, but it is always difficult with reviews, because the food was excellent value, but of course the food at a Michelin star restaurant can be more worthy of five stars! So I give the overall experience five stars, as I really truly enjoyed our evening, and the chat we had with the very lovely staff at the end of the night. Thank you! I will absolutely return, you're doing a grand job! x

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 7 April 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    A table for two on Sunday night @21:45. Really intimate and cozy. Tucked away in the lanes from all the noise. Great food and the hostess was very attentive. Would definitely come back. I highly recommend. D Bethel Brighton

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  31. Mandy

    London

    10 reviews

    1.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 7 April 2019

    overall1food1service2ambience1
    Very disappointed with this restaurant as the previous reviews were good ! Mussels tasted as though reheated and the other food was tasteless! So nany places to choose from in Brighton.... avoid this one .

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  32. KerwinH

    London

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on 23 March 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a find! We had a lovely evening, the service was excellent and personable. The food was superb, all courses, and we loved the small, intimate nature of the restaurant. Will definitely go again, more on the menu to try!

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  33. KerryD

    London

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 23 March 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was lovely and fresh and the staff were amazing. Would definitely recommend

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  34. AlanK

    Greater Boston

    16 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on 23 February 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Food very good, and service friendly and attentive- not a cheap fish and chips though

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  35. AnaK

    London

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 16 February 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The dinner was amazing because of the quality of the food ( Dover Sole, sea bass and lamb) and lovely atmosphere with friendly service.

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  36. Thomas

    London

    25 reviews

    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on 15 February 2019

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Food was great; setting was nice and the service was family like. A lovely evening.

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  37. NicolaW

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 February 2019

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    Nice home cooked food, good portions and the set menu is great value. Decor and toilets could do with updating.

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  38. kerrya

    Brighton

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 15 February 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Charming little place in a lovely peaceful and historic location. The service and food surpassed our expectations. I just wish we were able to stay longer in Brighton to experience another delicious meal at Darcys.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 20 January 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Staff were lovely. Restaurant is warm and cosy. Food was great. We each had 1 large whole fresh fish. They made an effort as it was my birthday as well. Would recommend.

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  40. PaddyR

    London

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 19 January 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A delightful well cooked and well presented meal in intimate surroundings- cannot be recommend highly

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
  • Protective equipment

    • Waiting staff wear masks
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Darcys Restaurant is rated 4.3 stars by 48 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

19:00


Google Map for Darcys Restaurant

49 Market Place, The Lanes, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1HH

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    East st north st lanes
  • Area
    Brighton
  • Hours of Operation
    Breakfast Sat, Sun 10:00–12:00 Lunch Mon, Wed–Sun 11:30–17:00 Dinner Mon, Wed–Sun 17:00–21:30
  • Price
    £26 to £40
  • Cuisines
    Fish, Italian, Steak
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress Code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking Details
    Street Parking
  • Public Transit
    We are 15 mins walk from Brighton mainline train station and 5 mins from the Brighton Pier and seafront.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    01273 325560
  • Catering
    Fresh fish and seafood including classics such as Dover sole, lobster,scallops .favourites like fish pie or breadcrumbed fish and chips .pasta dishes and steaks also available . Home made desserts Creme brulee and bread and butter pud .Ala carte and Set menus available . Set in a 14 th century cottage in the lanes, it is a truly unique setting for a relaxing dinner . Welcome to D arcys.
  • Private party facilities
    Separate dining areas on 1st floor, for functions or parties. Offering a reduced a la carte menu only from fourth july re opening
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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